Warm beach destinations
Let’s be honest, the main appeal of traveling in February is finding a place that doesn’t require three layers and a big coat. If you’re looking for sun and sand, these places are perfect without the exorbitant summer prices.
Mexico has become my favorite recommendation lately. On the Riviera Maya in particular, you have Cancun if you want an all-inclusive vibe, Tulum if you’re looking for something more low-key and Instagram-worthy, or Akumal if you just want to swim with sea turtles without a hundred other people doing the same thing. The weather is comfortably in the mid 20s to low 30s, which is that perfect beach temperature where you’re not melting but you’re definitely not cold.
I had a friend who went to Tulum in February and couldn’t stop talking about the cenotes, these natural swimming holes that are incredible. She found one that was virtually empty mid-morning on a Tuesday, just crystal clear water and limestone rocks. The Mayan ruins are also worth a visit, but do them early before it gets too hot. You can easily spend a week there for less than £1,500 if you know where you’re staying.
Puerto Rico deserves more love than he receives. It’s technically part of the US, so no passport issues if you’re traveling from there (not useful for us Brits, but worth noting). Bioluminescent bays are truly magical, I’m talking about water that literally glows when you move through it. The rainforest walks are also great, lush and green. Flights from the northeastern United States are cheap in February, often less than $200 round trip, making it very accessible.
THE US Virgin Islands And Bahamas are solid choices if you want that Caribbean vibe but with a little more structure and familiarity. The USVI in particular seemed really safe and easy to navigate during my visit. The water temperature in February is still around 26 degrees, which is perfectly swimmable. Plus, the resorts tend to be quieter, so you don’t have to fight for lounge chairs at 7 a.m.
Saint Lucia And Saint Martin are wonderful if you fancy something a little different. St. Lucia has the spectacular Piton Mountains and jungle vibe, while St. Maarten has that French-Dutch double thing, which means great food and beach bars. Both are nice and warm in February, but without the oppressive humidity you get later in the year.
Hawaii is great for whale watching in February, humpback whales migrate there and apparently you can see them from the shore if you’re lucky. I haven’t done it myself yet (it’s on the list), but a friend went to Oahu and saw whales from her hotel balcony. The Big Island’s volcanoes are breathtaking and Kauai’s hiking trails are supposed to be incredible. It’s not cheap, but February is one of the best times to go if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Winter adventures
Not everyone wants to lie on a beach. If you are one of those who truly enjoy winter sports or spectacular snowy landscapes, February is what you need.
that of Utah the national parks are absolutely beautiful in the snow. Moab, Bryce Canyon, Arches – they’re all transformed when there’s a layer of white on those red rocks. Temperatures drop to between -5 and 10 degrees Celsius, so pack accordingly, but the trade-off is virtually no crowds. You can actually take photos without fifty other people in the background, which is worth the cold fingers.
📸 credit @dinosaur802
I went snowshoeing at Canyonlands in February, and it was eerily beautiful, just us, snow, and incredible rock formations. Ranger-led tours at Bryce Canyon are also highly recommended, although I was unable to arrange one.
Colorado And New Mexico are the obvious choices for good winter sports. Aspen is expensive but undeniably beautiful with fresh powder in February. Santa Fe is completely covered, there are over 300 inches of snow some years, and the art scene is great if you need a break from skiing. The food is also great, with lots of southwestern flavors and cozy restaurants, perfect for warming up after a day outside.
City breaks and cultural places
Sometimes you just want a real city break with good food, decent nightlife, and maybe a museum or two. February works surprisingly well for this, as you’re past the festive chaos but before everything gets unbearably hot.
New Orleans as Mardi Gras approaches is an experience. Mardi Gras day can be crazy, but if you go a week or two before, you get the energy of the building without the same chaos. The jazz scene, strolling through the French Quarter, the food, everything is great. Best of all, you’re not faced with that oppressive summer humidity that makes walking around New Orleans feel like eating soup.
San Diego The weather is magnificent in February, always around 20 degrees and sunny. The zoo is amazing, the beaches are beautiful without being crowded, and the food scene is excellent. Torrey Pines for hiking, the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife, La Jolla for seals and fine dining. There’s a little bit of everything without seeming overwhelming.
Las Vegas This might seem like an odd choice for February, but the weather is actually decent (less than 20 degrees), the pool parties are starting to get going but aren’t completely crazy yet, and you can get some really good deals on shows and hotels. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you want pure entertainment and a break from reality, it’s Vegas. The buffets, the shows, the general absurdity of it all, sometimes it’s exactly what you need in February.
International destinations are worth the detour
If you’re ready to go long-distance, February opens up some incredible options in the southern hemisphere or places with perfect dry season weather.
Thailand has its dry season, which means beautiful beach weather without rain. Plus, it’s really affordable, you can eat amazing food for a few euros, accommodation isn’t expensive unless you go for luxury, and there’s so much variety. Beyond the obvious Bangkok and Phuket, there are quieter islands and northern towns like Chiang Mai worth exploring.
The Maldives has its best weather in February, calm seas, clear skies, this beautiful blue water. It’s expensive, but if you have a special occasion or really want to treat yourself, February is the perfect time to go. The underwater scenery is just as impressive, if not more so, than that of the overwater bungalows.
New Zealand And Australia are in full summer mode. The landscapes of New Zealand are so spectacular, the South Island in particular with its fjords and mountains. Australia is huge, but the seal colonies on Kangaroo Island are adorable, and there are beaches everywhere that put Europeans to shame. It’s a long flight from the UK, but if you have the time, it’s worth it.
Costa Rica perfectly combines beaches and tropical forest. Wildlife viewing is excellent and February is during the dry season, so you’re not constantly dodging downpours. South Africa the climate is pleasant for safaris without being too hot and the landscapes are incredibly diverse. Both are good for ecotourism if that’s your thing, with plenty of opportunities to see animals in their natural habitats.
Our favorite places to stay in February
Hotel Bardo – a peaceful adults-only boutique hotel with private pool villas, ideal for a crowd-free February getaway to Tulum.
Pierre and Paul Hotel – a beautiful hotel located in a restored church complex, perfect for experiencing New Orleans before the Mardi Gras crowds.
The Pearl Hotel – a retro boutique hotel with a heated pool and laid-back vibe, well-suited to San Diego’s mild February weather.
Final Thoughts
February doesn’t have to be a month of gray skies and counting down to spring. There are some truly awesome destinations that are perfect for this time of year, whether you’re looking for warmth, winter sports, city culture or a long-distance adventure.
The key is to book reasonably early for peak dates like Valentine’s Day or midterm holidays, and to be flexible if you can. Weather apps are your friend for checking conditions closer to the time, especially for beach destinations where a few rainy days can really impact your trip.
Personally, I’m leaning towards Mexico in February, these cenotes have haunted my dreams since my friend won’t shut up. But wherever you’re going, just booking something gives you the boost you need to get through January. And that alone is worth it.
